“Coach Tomlin is always challenging us,” center Mason Cole said. “Maybe a little more this year. We are always up for it.”
Published June 12, 3:38 EDT
by Bo Marchionte
Pittsburgh – The Steelers offensive line continues to be an area of much optimism. Over the second half of last season, the group became more cohesive and more importantly productive. Pittsburgh added several offensive linemen this offseason in order to bolster their ability to escape a ugly and recurring trend of producing little excitement offensively.
Pittsburgh ranked 26th in the league in points per game last season. It’s become an unflattering habit that the offense has been unable to manifest points on the scoreboard. Over the last ten years, Pittsburgh had a stretch of five straight seasons (2014-18) ranking 10th or higher in points per game. In the last four years, they have finished 21st or worst in the same category.
“I feel like this year we are going to be leaned on more than other teams lean on their offensive line,” 2020 fourth-round pick Kevin Dotson said after an OTA practice. “So, we accept that challenge. We are glad to do that.”
Dotson started all 17 games last season but faced significant challenges to repeat that feat with some off-season additions brought aboard the roster in hopes of improving an offensive line that appeared to be headed in the right direction.
The additions include free agent signings of guards Nate Herbig, Isaac Seumalo, and tackle Le’Raven Clark. The team moved up in the first-round of the 2023 NFL Draft to select tackle Broderick Jones. Add in oversized tight end Darnell Washington and it’s clear the Steelers intend to alter the recent hiccups interfering with their quest for a points producing offense.
Pittsburgh began the season with a 2-6 record before heading into their bye week in Week 9 of the 2022 NFL season. The team returned in Week 10 to win seven of their next nine games, finishing with a 9-8 record.
“Coach Tomlin is always challenging us,” center Mason Cole said. “Maybe a little more this year. We are always up for it.”
Cole enters his sixth season in the league and the second with the Steelers. He, like teammates Dotson also was able to suit up for all 17 games last season and help save a season on the brink of utter embarrassment. Over the course of the first half of the season (Week 1 to 8) the team averaged 14.6 points per game and improved to a touchdown better 20.8 points per game over the teams last nine contests.
Across the board the Steelers improved in almost all offensive statistics, especially in the running game. Known for being able to run the football effectively, last year the Steelers looked nothing like that teams’ fans have become accustomed to watching exploit opponents via the running game.
Prior to their after-bye week resurgence, Cleveland Browns running back Nick Chubb ran for 841 yards by himself. The Steelers as a team rushed for 759 yards, less than 100-yards per game (94.8). When the team returned in Week 9, they averaged over 50 more yards per game over the course of the rest of the season. An encouraging way to exit one year and enter 2023 with realistic hopes that Pittsburgh can sustain and maintain a productive offense for the majority of the season.
“I think there is man,” Cole replied to the theory Pittsburgh has something special brewing with his unit. “I think when you go through things, I think it builds a close group. When things weren’t going good last year, we were able to turn it around. Then adding Nate (Herbig), (Le’) Raven and Isaac (Seumalo) and the rookies we have a good group.”
Nothing fortuitous is going to happen by circumstance. Pittsburgh is going to need this group to bond quickly, play fast and execute better than ever to ignite a bottom dwelling offense. Of course, second-year quarterback Kenny Pickett must continue his assent from rookie quarterback to franchise quarterback trajectory. Without the offensive line playing at an elite level, it will hamper Pickett more than opposing defenses.
“Guys here want to learn and want to get better,” new guard Isaac Seumalo said. “They want to win and win now. On that note we are all on the same page. So, not only the team but everybody in the city. The only way to do that is to come to work every day and improve.”
Seumalo’s attitude and intelligence have led the media in Pittsburgh to subsequently refer to him as “The Thinker” of the unit. Time and time again teammates have expressed how much Seumalo has internally helped with his vast knowledge and approach to teaching it to teammates.
This is the time of the year when everyone is equal. The schedule has not been played, leaving all 32 teams with success building on their minds. The off-season is the chance to reset and aim towards the goals that are set forth by each organization.
Center Mason Cole summed it up best. All the writing and positive reviews don’t mean squat until the success is fulfilled when the curtain drops.
“A lot of talking this time of the year,” Cole said. “We need to go out and do it in the fall.”
